HB340 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on a unanimous vote, after being amended.

I have never seen an issue where opponents have spread so much false information about its history, intent, or effect.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but NOT their own set of facts.  The historical facts about the definition of “Private Animal Shelter” in the Virginia Code are as follows.

Prior to 2014 there was no separate definition in the Va. Code, there was only “Animal Shelter”.  In 2014, I was the patron …

The 2016 Session of the Virginia General Assembly has reached the halfway point, known as “cross-over.”  All passed House bills will now go to the Senate for their consideration and all passed Senate bills come to the House for consideration.  Last week I gave an overview of the general session, and today I have a brief update on my personal bills.

I introduced nineteen bills this session and two House Resolutions, of those 14 have passed the House.

HB 157- Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of; approval of …

           We are approaching the halfway point of the General Assembly Session known as “Crossover.”  Crossover is the day when each chamber must finish work on its own legislation and then may only consider legislation from the other body. This year Crossover is on Tuesday, February 16, which means that the House must complete all of its work on House bills before the end of that day while the Senate must do the same for bills that originate in the Senate. …

As we are wrapping up the fourth week of the 2016 General Assembly Session, this was a busy week in the House on an issue that I know is very important to you and your family: jobs and economic growth. 

The House is moving forward on several major pieces of legislation to foster private-sector job creation, encourage long-term economic growth, and protect small businesses. I continue to hear from constituents that these must be our top priorities. Be assured the House is committed to ensuring …

For those who have been actively following HB340, please read the update below. Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at delborrock@house.virginia.gov.

Prior action in 2015 did not truly change the definition of a private animal shelter it simply rearranged the words in the previous definition. However, an attempt by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (oversees animal shelters) this past year to define “purpose” did not allow public input or comment.  The amendment in the nature of a substitute for HB 340 directs the VDACS to …

This week was a busy and productive one, as all are during session. I introduced three additional bills:

HB 1270 – Establishes a companion animal care advisory committee

HB 1272 – Claims; Frank and Amy Taylor

HB 1306 – Creating a voluntary listing of certain family day homes.

Seven of my bills were voted out of the House this week.   They are now being considered by the Senate.

The bills are: HB 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315 and 559.

HB 310 – Allows our mobile dental clinics to better serve …

It’s a beautiful day in the capitol, as we begin the second full week of Session, after breaking early for the Blizzard of 2016.

Greetings from your state Capitol. As we conclude our first full week of session, I wanted to share with you some of the actions of your General Assembly, so far. Our first full week was cut short due to the significant winter storm headed our way. For the first time since 2010, the House of Delegates cancelled a floor session. It was announced during Thursday’s Floor Session that the House would adjourn until Monday, January 25th at noon.

Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) spoke on …

The definition as written before the 2015 Session;
“Private Animal Shelter” means a facility that is used to house or contain animals and that is owned or operated by an incorporated, nonprofit, and nongovernmental entity, including a humane society, animal welfare organization, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals or other organization operating for the purpose of finding permanent adoptive homes for animals.

The definition as changed (SB1381) in the 2015 Session:
“Private Animal Shelter” means a facility operated for the purpose of finding permanent adoptive …

With the 2016 session underway, Bobby wants your input, to best represent the people of Spotsylvania and Caroline counties on matters of legislation. Please take a few moments to provide your input on key issues so Bobby can be your voice in Richmond. Please fill out and submit surveys by February 5th.